FIREPOWER IN A CONFLICT
A submarine, given its stealth when submerged, can complicate the enemy’s course of action. Even a small fleet can create a big headache for the naval planner.
The Hai Kun is not equipped with some of the most up-to-date technologies, such as an air-independent propulsion or fuel cells for prolonged underwater endurance. But submarines can be retrofitted with such capabilities along the way.
It is reportedly equipped with 18 torpedoes, with plans afoot to eventually equip the submarines with missiles. This gives the impression they will lie in wait at strategic chokepoints such as the Bashi Channel to pump these weapons at range.
But submarine payloads usually revolve around a mixture of weapons. The Hai Kun is capable of deploying sea mines, both defensive (in one’s waters) and offensive (in enemy waters).
Offensive minelaying allows Taiwan to directly threaten the PLA Navy on China’s doorstep, with the prospect of bottling up and delaying an invasion fleet at its naval bases or civilian ports along the Fujian coast.
Submarines are also suited for special operations, such as conducting coastal reconnaissance or covert infiltration and exfiltration of special forces operatives.
Finally, the Hai Kun has the potential to become a long-range missile strike platform, just as the Chien Lungs built without missile capability were retrofitted with American-made UGM-84 Sub-Harpoon anti-ship missiles, fired from standard 533mm torpedo tubes with some on-board modifications.
Given rising cross-strait tensions, it is possible Taiwan may consider equipping submarines with land attack cruise missile capability, which would elevate the Hai Kun to a newfound strategic strike, even if non-nuclear, role.
Source: CNA
